A multi-row farmstead windbreak improves air quality by reducing and intercepting air borne particulate matter, chemicals, and odors.
The NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Air Quality Initiative provides financial assistance to implement conservation practices that address air resource issues for designated locations throughout the nation. Agricultural atmospheric related concerns include greenhouse gas emissions, ozone precursors, volatile organic compounds, airborne particulate matter, and some odor-related volatile compounds. For more information about agricultural air quality concerns, see the Air Quality topic.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include individuals, legal entities, Indian Tribes, or joint operations engaged in agricultural production on eligible land that have an air quality related natural resource concern.
Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland, and other farm or ranch lands. Producers must submit a program application and other documentation to support eligibility to be considered for financial assistance through EQIP.
How To Apply
NRCS accepts and processes EQIP applications on a continuous basis.
However, each state may establish deadlines for one or more application periods in which to consider eligible applications for funding. Applications submitted after these dates will be evaluated and considered for funding during later funding opportunities. Producers must submit a complete program application and other documentation to support eligibility to be considered for financial assistance through EQIP. Detailed information about the application process is available at your local USDA Service Center. Consult the USDA Service Center Locator for locations of NRCS Field Offices.
National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool
The National Air Quality Site Assessment Tool (NAQSAT) has been developed for the voluntary use of livestock producers and their advisors or consultants. It is intended to provide assistance to livestock and poultry producers in determining the areas in their operations where there are opportunities to make changes that result in reduced air emissions. Air emissions research from livestock production systems is increasing every year. NAQSAT is based on the most accurate, credible data currently available regarding mitigation strategies for air emissions of ammonia, methane, volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, particulates, and odor.
http://naqsat.tamu.edu/
Other Documents
Agricultural Air Quality Conservation Measures Reference Guide (EPA website; PDF, 896KB)
